Platy Plant Eaters/Bubble blowers

[Supersalmon]

I have just got 2 Wagtail and 2 Mickey Mouse Platies. I have a planted tank with 2 large rocks. I have noticed that the platies 'peck' at the upper surface of the leaves, not actually harming them but kinda picking algae off or something. They also do the same with the two rocks 'pecking at the top of them'. Is this normal behaviour or do they need supplements in their diet. The guppies I have seem to do the same thing. Also the platies go up to the surface and seem to blow bubbles a lot, any ideas why? Thanks

 

[Tempestuousfury]

They might actually be gasping at the surface, if you don't have enough aeration. They do tend to pick at algae, and I am positive that they are omnivorous b/c they peck at both algae disks and eat brine shrimp.

 

[Sinuhe]

The pecking on rocks and plants sounds perfectly normal to me, but the bubble blowing doesn't. Have you checked your ammonia and nitrite levels?

 

[keeper-of-fish]

I agree go buy a ammonia/nitrite level tester (if u dont have one) then test ur water and make sure it reads zero.what about changeing the water would that help like 20%? prob change it 20% once a week.